Teeth Whitening

Why whiten your teeth?

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. A whiter, brighter smile will do wonders for your self-confidence and first impressions!

Teeth age from certain foods and beverages and from naturally occurring elements in your body that wear down the enamel. Coffee, tea, tobacco, and red wine are top staining agents. And, some people are just naturally prone to yellow or discolored teeth.
Whether stained from age or genetics, teeth whitening is a quick, easy, and painless solution to getting the smile you want. While your local drug store is loaded with teeth-whitening products, nothing can surpass the results of professional-grade whiteners. Westerville Dental Associates can professionally whiten your teeth using the Opalescence Boost® whitening system. This is a simple non-invasive treatment that can be accomplished at our office or with trays at home.

Is tooth whitening safe?

Absolutely. Research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. As with any teeth whitening product, Opalescence Boost® is not recommended for children under 13 years of age, pregnant women, or lactating women.

How long do the results last?

Regardless of the whitening product you use, the time the teeth stay white after whitening depends mainly on you and your lifestyle. By following some simple post whitening instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. We recommend flossing, brushing twice daily with whitening toothpaste, and touch-ups with Opalescence® take-home whitening gel. These are professional formulated products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. The Opalescence® take-home whitening gel is available through our office.

What is in-office whitening?

It is a bleaching process provided by one of our hygienists that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin within one hour. The Opalescence Boost® system is a 40% power bleaching product. It’s the highest concentration of whitening on the present market, resulting in a quicker, whiter smile for you! After the whitening treatment is finished, you will continue to whiten for 12-24 hours.

Is there any difference between over-the-counter tooth whiteners and Opalescence Boost®?

Yes! Consulting our dentist is always the first step to whitening your teeth safely. Over-the-counter tooth whitening strips, brush-on gels and toothpastes take weeks or months to whiten your teeth a few shades. Opalescence Boost® is clinically proven to whiten your teeth in just one hour.

How does the In-Office Whitening System work?

The Opalescence Boost® whitening gel is chemically activated, so there is no need for the hot and uncomfortable light used in other whitening procedures. The activated gel enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching any colored substance while keeping the structure of the tooth unchanged.

Is the In-Office Whitening procedure painful?

No. During the procedure, patients can actually watch Netflix® or listen to music. Many patients fall asleep. Opalescence Boost® contains potassium nitrate and fluoride which have been shown to reduce sensitivity while strengthening enamel.

Are there any side effects?

Some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during or after the treatment. These symptoms disappear within 1-3 days after treatment.

How long is the Opalescence Boost® procedure?

The entire procedure takes just over one hour. The procedure begins with a preparation period followed by one hour of bleaching.